Registration opens for 2027 National Child Nutrition Conference in Chicago

Registration is open for the 2027 National Child Nutrition Conference, set for March 29-April 2 in Chicago. The National CACFP Association expects about 2,000 attendees and is offering the lowest registration rate through Dec. 1, 2026.

Why it matters: - The conference is a major gathering for Child and Adult Care Food Program and Summer Food Service Program professionals. - NCNC27 will focus on practical ways to improve access to nutritious meals for children and adults in care. - The event is designed to help attendees bring ideas, training and connections back to local programs.

What happened: - Registration opened for the 2027 National Child Nutrition Conference, known as NCNC27. - The conference will take place in Chicago from March 29-April 2, 2027. - The National CACFP Association is hosting the event. - The lowest registration rate is available through Dec. 1, 2026. - Registration is available at conference details and registration. - Prospective attendees can review the NCNC27 conference brochure and learn about in-person and virtual participation options.

The details: - NCNC27 is the nation’s premier conference for CACFP and SFSP professionals. - The 2027 theme is Fresh Ideas, Shared Purpose. - About 2,000 attendees are expected. - More than 200 experts will lead programming. - The conference will offer more than 150 hours of workshops. - Attendees can earn more than 36 continuing education units. - The audience includes sponsoring organizations, state and federal agencies, early childhood education programs, child care centers, Head Start programs, family child care homes, adult care centers, tribal organizations, food banks, schools, anti-hunger organizations and other community partners. - Programming will cover topics relevant to child nutrition and program operations.

Between the lines: - The conference theme points to a mix of networking and problem-solving, not just classroom-style training. - The scale of the event suggests the National CACFP Association is trying to convene the full child nutrition ecosystem in one place. - A previous attendee called the conference “an amazing networking tool” and said it offers “one place to go and get the knowledge to help in your job.”

What's next: - Attendees can register now and secure the lowest rate before Dec. 1, 2026. - The conference will bring together professionals in person and virtually when it convenes next spring. - The National CACFP Association will continue building participation ahead of the March 2027 event. - Since 1986, the National CACFP Association has supported thousands in the USDA Child and Adult Care Food Program community and says its broader goal is to expand nutrition access for families.